Radio apparatus



Oct. 26 1926. 1,604,403

J. H. FLYNN, JR

RADIO APPARATUS Filed Dec. 15, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTG RN EY Oct. 26,1926. I 1,604,403

. J. H. FLYNN, JR

RADIO APPARATUS Filed Dec. 15, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTD R N BY Patented Oct. 26, 1926.

UNITED STATES JOHN H. FLYNN, JR., 013' CINCINNATI, OHIO.

RADIO AFPARATUS.

Application filed December 15, 1924.

My invention relates to adjustable crystal electric current detecting and rectifying devices.

In certain kinds of radio apparatus a crystal rectifier is utilized in which an ex tremely light pressure of an electricity conductive wire (commonly known as a catwhisker), having a relatively small cross sectional area, is positioned in contact with a surface of a substance (commonly known as a crystal) having the peculiar property of unilateral conductivity of electric current, whereby detection of radio electrical waves is accomplished by rectification of the incoming signals. The surface of a crystal usually being extremely rugged and not being uniformly possessed with the property of unilateral conductivity of electric currents, an accurate and delicate adjustment of the catwhisker is required to contact it at a particularly sensitive spot on the crystal which responds well to the incoming current for the purpose of securing efficient reproduction of a radio cast performance.

The objects of my invention are to provide asimple, practical, durable and cilicient adjustable electric current detecting and rectifying device; to provide an adjustable crystal electric current detecting and rectifying device adapted to be mounted on the front panel, or other advantageous positions on a radio apparatus or cabinet and having manually operative means whereby said device may be quickly and conveniently operated for effecting accurate adjustments of the catwhisker relative to various sizes, shapes, styles and kinds of crystals; to provide means adapted to maintain the catwhisker in adjusted relation to the crystal irrespective of shocks, jars and vibration; and to provide a crystal electric current detecting and rectifying device adapted to be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

My invention consists in providing support having manually operative adjusting mechanism mounted thereon, said mech' anism adapted to actuate a crank having connection with and adapted to impart reciprocative movement to a suitably mounted catwhisker, or other electricity conductor; in providing an auxiliary manually opera- I live adjusting means adapted to facilitate adjustments of said catwhisker relative to various crystals, and in providing means adapted to maintain said eatwhisker in ad Serial No. 756,014.

justed position and comprising frictional contacting elements adjoining said crank.

My invention further consists substantially in the construction, combination, location and relative arrangement of the parts as herein set forth and claimed.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a rear elevation of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the same and showing, in dotted lines, the front panel of a radio apparatus to which my invention is attached;

Fig. l is a side elevation of my rocker arm;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of my disk crank- Fig. 6 is an edge elevation of the same and showing the crank pin in modified position and represented by dotted lines;

Fig. 7 is a rear elevation of a modified form of my invention;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the same; and

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the recipro cative arm shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

In the preferred construction of my invention I provide L-shape support 1 having elongated perforation 2 and hole 3 in its'vertical portion 4:. The support is particularly adapted to be fixed to panel 5 (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3) of a usual radio receiving apparatus cabinet, as by in ternally and externally threaded tube 6 being received in hole 3 in vertical portion 1 and maintained therein by nuts 7'and 8 threaded to external threads 6' of the tube and respectively being screw-ed in close contact with inner side 9 and outer side 10 of the vertical portion, the outer projecting end 11 of the tube being received by a suitable hole at 12 in panel 5, whereby nut 13 threaded to the external threads of end 11 of the tube may be screwed tightly in engagement with outer side 14 of the panel, thereby drawing nut 8 in close contact with inner side 15 of the panel.

Horizontal shaft 16 having external threads 16 is threaded in the longitudinal hole in tube 6 and has disk crank 17 suitably fixed to its inner end 18 received in hole 17 positioned in the center of the figure of the disk. Knob 19 suitably fixed to outer end 20 of shaft 16 may be manually rotated thereby simultaneously imparting rotary and horizontal movement to disk 17, the horizontal direction of movement of the disk being dependent upon the direction of rota;

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tion imparted to the knob and upon the kind of threaded connection of shaft 16 with tube 6. Disk crank 17 has outwardly extending stud or crank pin 21 fixed to its side 22 and positioned outside the center of the figure of the disk and in eccentric and parallel relation to the axis of shaft 16.

Longitudinal rod 23, extending through vertical elongated perforation 2 in vertical portion 4 of'support 1, has head 24 integral with its outer end The rod is adapted to be releasably maintained in fixedposition, as by nut 26 being threaded'to threads23 adjacent end of the rod, and capable of being screwed tightly in engagement with inner side 9 of the vertical portion, thereby drawing head 24 in close frictional contactwith outer side 10 of the vertical portion.

Rocker arm 27, rotatably mountedupon in-' ner end 28 of-rod23, as'by the-rod being receivedin hole 29 in the arm,'has longitudi nal slot 30 in end 31 thereof. The slot is adapted to receive stud or crank pin 21 having collar 32, preferably constructed of spring metal or other resilient material, around shank 33 and in tight engagement with the inner side of head 34 of the stud or crank pin, whereby washer 35, also around the shank and positioned intermediate head 34 and arm 27, is pressed into frictional contact with side 22 of disk 17, thereby maintaining arm 27 in fixed position relative to the disk irrespective of shocks, jars and vibration, whereby free end 36 of .catwhisker 36, suitably fixed to end 37 of the arm, is adapted to remain in sensitive and delicate adjustment with crystal rectifier 38 fixed in crystal cup or container 39 as by thumb screw 39 threaded to the container. The crystal container 39 is fixed to L 40 of support 1 as by upper and lower nuts 41 threaded to the lower end of shank 42 extending through a hole at 43 in the L and having its upper end fixed to the bottom of the container which is insulated from support 1, as by insulative washer 44 interposed between the bottom of the cup and L 40, and by washer 45 interposed between L40 and uppernut 41, whereby electric current is permitted to follow a path through terminal 46, shank 42, container 39, crystal rectifier '38, catwhisker 36, arm 27 and thence to terminal 47 through resilient conductor 48 having its upper end 49 received in hole 50 in arm 27 and soldered to the arm. The lower end 51 0f the conductor extends through a hole at 52 in L 40 and is fixed, by suitable means such as solder, to plate 53 fixed to the lower side of the L, as by nuts 54 threaded to bolt 55 combinedly received through the L and plate 53, whereby terminal 47 is formed. Conductor 48 is preferably in the form of a coiled spring wire; The oscillatory or reciprocatory movement imparted to end 37 of arm 27; by rotation of knob '19, is not materially interfered with or hindered as the resiliency of the spring readilypermits the required movement of the arm. The conductor 48 is primarily for the purpose of insuring a short, positive and low electrical resistance ,path for the current from catwhisker 36 to terminal 47 and may be eliminated without materially affecting the efiicient operations or functions of my invention, as if conductor 48 is removed from the circuit the path of the current will be from arm 27 to disk '17 and thence through shaft 16 into support 1 to which a terminal may be suitably attached. The main. disadvantage of eliminat ing the resilient conductor is that the connec tions of arm 27 with disk 17 and of shaft 16 with support 1 are movable and therefore they are not dependable and positive ones.

The mechanical operations of my invention are as follows:

Assume that proper electrical connections are made with terminals '47 and '46 and a radio apparatus.

First crystal rectifier 38 is positioned and fixed in container 39 by screwing thumb screw inwardly into holding contact with the rectifier. Finger contact knob 19 is then manually rotated, whereby through the threaded connection of shaft 16 with tube 6 crank disk 17 is caused to rotate, whereby stud or crank pin 21, fixed to the disk and positioned in eccentric relation to the axis of revolution of thedisk, imparts an inclined vertical oscillatory motion to end 37 of arm 27, as by shank 33 of the stud sliding in slot 30 in end 31 of the arm, thereby causing the arm simultaneously to rock and slide upon rod 23, whereby lower end 36 of catwhisker 36 is caused to make and break contact at various points and spots on the surface of crystal rectifier 3 The did or vertical space traversed by end 37 of arm 2. during one'revolution of-knob 19 is controlled by the distance from stud 21 to hole 17 in disk 17, by the position of hole 29 in arm 27 and by the length of the arm itself. For illustration, if as shown in Fig. 6 stud 21 is positioned as represented by dotted. lines at 56, the dip of the catwhisker will be considerably greater than when the stud is positioned as shown in full lines in the same figure.

A great variety of sizes, shapes, styles and kinds of crystal rectifiers are adapted to be efficiently used in container 39. as catwhisker 36' may be constructed of the required length and of the proper material so that the catwhisker will not materially retard the downward movement of end 37 of arm 27 when a particularly deep or high crystal used, thereby permitting the lower end of the catwhisker to enter the deepest fissures in a rugged surface of a crystal and wherein sometimes is found the most sensitive and desirable spot.

By unscrewing nut 26 sufficiently to loosen head 2 1 from frictional contact with vertical portion 4- of support 1 rod 23 may be lowered or elevated, whereby arm 27 may be vertically positioned so that the lower end of the catwhisker may be adjusted perfectly with relation to the height of the crystal rectifier, after which nut 26 may again be tightened for maintaining the rod in fixed position. The crystal engaging end of the catwhisker frequently should be filed, trimmed or sandpapered to remove the oxidized surface for the purpose of providing a clean point of contact so as to insure a good electricity conductive path from the catwhisker to the crystal or'vice versa. Each cleaning operation naturally consumes a portion of the catwhisker and after a period of time its length is reducedto such an extent that contact of the catwhisker with the crystal cannot be accomplished. Rod 23 may then be lowered in slot 2 so as to permit lower end 36 of the catwhisker to assume an adjustable relation to the crystal and nut 26 is then securely screwed in engagement with vertical portion at of the support.

Shaft 16 is relatively long and in combination with arm 27 slidably mounted upon rod 23 adapts the arm to move over a considerable distance horizontally, whereby a plurality of substantially large and different kinds of crystal rectifier-s, having consider ably greater area of surface than a usual crystal utilized in a usual crystal electric current rectifying device, can be fixed in a properly sized container, whereby highly desirable results are capable of being accomplished.

While I have described particular parts of my invention, as for example, portion 41 as extending vertically and L 10 as extending horizontally, I desire to emphasize the fact that my device may be mounted in any desirable position without regard to extending any of the parts in a particular direction.

In Figs. 7 and 6 I show a modified form of my invention in which L-shape support 56 has spaced apart longitudinal rods 59 and 60 suitably f xed to L 61 of the support and extending in parallel relation to L 62. Externally threaded shaft 63 has suitable threaded connection with L 61 of support 58 and is positioned intermediate rods 59 and 60 and extends in parallel relation thereto. The shaf has disk crank 64 suitably fixed to its end 65 positioned in the center of the figure of the disk crank having outwardly extending stud or crank pin 66 fixed to its side 67 and extending in eccentric and parallel relation to the axis of shaft 63. Reciprocative arm 68 has spaced apart longitudinally alined longitudinal slots 69 and 70 therein and respectively slidably receiving ends 71 and 72 respectively of rods 59 and 60. Intermediate the slots in the reciprocative arm is transverse slot 73 receiving stud 66 having its head 74; in frictional contact with washer 75 positioned intermediate head 7 1 of the stud and side 67 of the disk crank 6e, whereby the arm is maintained in frictional engagement with the disk crank. Longitudinal plate 76 having catwhisker 77 suitably fixed to end 78 thereof, is adjustably and detachably fixed to end 79 of arm 68 as by screw 80, threaded tothe arm, being received in longitudinal slot 81 in the plate, whereby the catwhisker is adapted to be manually adjusted relative to crystal rectifier 82 suitably fixed in container 83 suitably mounted on and insulated from t. 84. of support 85 adjustably fixed to L 62 of sup port 58 as by bolt 86 being slidably received in slot 87, in L 88 of support 85, and through ahole at 89 in l... 62, whereby the crystal rectifier is adapted to be manually adjustably fixed relative to catwhisker 77. Resilient springs 90 and 91, respectively having ends 02 and 93 respectively fixed in holes 9 1- and 95 in arm 68 also, have their ends 06 and 97 respectively secured to bolts 98 and 86, whereby the usual lost motion of the threaded connection of shaft 68 with tube 99, fixed to L 61, is eliminated, whereby catwhisker 77 is adapted to maintain its position relative to crystal 82 when manually operative knob, 100 fixed to end 101 of shaft 63, is released.

To further add to the stability of catwhisker 77 relative to crystal 82 I provide angular member 102 fixed to l. 89 of the support by screws 103 and 104. lhe angular member has portion 105 extending in parallel relation to L 89 and is adapted to be frictionally engaged by inner (lgQ 106 of arm 68.

hen mounted upon a usual radio panel (not shown) tube 99 is received into a suitable hole in the panel and is maintained in its position by a nut threaded to the projecting end of the tube having longitudinal slot 107 therein for the purpose of reducing the lost motion in the threaded connection of the tube with threaded shaft 63, when the nut is tightened which forces the tube in close engagement with the shaft.

While I have chosen to illustrate the forms and constructions of my invention by the herein drawings and explanations of the same, it is understood that invention resides in the combination, arrangementand location of the parts and in the details of construction, as hereinafter claimed. It is further understood that changes in the precise embodiment of my invention, as herein disclosed, can be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention, as other expedients will readily suggest themselves to the What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an adjustable crystal electric current detecting and rectifying device, a support, a longitudinal rod mounted thereon, an electricity conductive rocker arm mounted on said rod, electricity conductive means connected with said arm, a crystal rectifier connected with said support and manually opcrative means to coinbinedly and simultaneously rock and move said arm laterally of said support whereby said conductive means is adapted to make and break contact with said rectifier.

2. in an adjustable crystal electric current detecting and rectifying device, an elec tricity conductive rocker arm, a support therefor, a crystal rectifier connected with said support, and manually operative means to combinedly and simultaneously rock said arm in intermittent contact with said rectifier and move said arm laterally of said support.

3. In an adjustable crystal electric current detecting and rectifying device, a conductive rocker arm, a support therefor, a crystal rectifier connected with said support, means mounted upon said support to simultaneously rock said arm laterally of said support for forming desirable electric current rectifying connection of said arm with said rectifier and means adapted to maintain said arm in said rectifying relation.

l. In a device of the class described, a support, a container threaded thereto, a crystal rectifier in said container, manually operative means mounted on said support, a crank actuated by said means and an electricity conductor operatively connected with said crank whereby rotation of said means is adapted to simultaneously move said conductor vertically of said rectifier and laterally of said support to form intermittent contact at various positions on the surface of said rectifier.

5. In a device of the class described, a support, a terminal connected therewith, a longitudinal rod mounted on said support, a rocker arm mounted on said rod, electricity conductive means mounted on said arm, a crystal rectifier container, a terminal con nected therewith, a crystal rectifier received by said container, means for manually adjusting said rod, whereby said arm is properly spaced from said rectifier and manually operative means adapted to simultaneously rock said arm and move said arm laterally of said support, whereby said conductive means is caused to form desirable contact with said rectifier.

6, In a device of the class described, a support, a longitudinal rod adjust-ably mounted thereon, a rocker arm mounted on said. rod,

means for manually adjusting said rod, whereby said conductive means is properly spaced from said rectifier, a shaft threaded to said support and manually operative means for rotating said shaft whereby said conductive means is adapted to be simultaneously rocked and moved laterally of said support to form vdesirable contact of said conductive means with said rectifier.

7. In a device of the class described, a support, a terminal connected therewith, a longitudinal rod adjustably mounted on said support, means for fixing said rod in a se lected position, a conductive rocker arm mounted on said rod, a catwhisker fixed to an end of said arm, a crystal rectifier container fixed to said support and insulated therefrom, a terminal connected with said container, a crystal rectifier received by said container, a shaft threaded to said support and manually operative means for rotating said shaft, whereby said arm is adapted to be simultaneously rocked and moved laterally of said support for securing desirable rectifying contact of said catwhisker with said crystal rectifier.

8. In a device of the class described, a support, a, shaft threaded thereto, a terminal connected therewith, rectifier supporting means mounted on said support and insulated therefrom, a rectifier connected with said means, manually operative means on the outer end of said shaft whereby said shaft is rotated, a rod mounted on said support, a rocker arm slidably mounted on said rod and having eccentric connection with said shaft, and an electrical conductor fixed to said plate and adapted to successively contact said rectifier when said manually operative means is actuated.

9. In a device of the class described, a support, a terminal connected therewith, rectifier containing means mounted on said support and insulated therefrom, terminal fixed to said containing means, a shaft threaded to said support, a manually operative knob fixed to the outer end of said shaft, a longitudinal rod mounted on said support, a rocker arm slidably mounted on said rod and having a slot in one end thereof, a disk crank fixed to an end of said shaft, a crank pin fixed. to said disk and received in said. slot and an electrical conductor fixed to said arm and adapted to be moved laterally and vertically of said support through rotation of said disk crank and said threaded con nection of said shaft, respectively, when said knob is rotated.

10. In a device of the class described, an L shaped support having an elongated perforation therein, a crystal rectifier container mounted on said support and, insulated therefrom, a terminal. connected with said container, a rectifier received in said container, a longitudinal rod mounted on said support and extending in parallel relation to the L of said support, a rocker arm mounted on said rod and having a longitudinal slot in one end thereof, a shaft threaded to said support and extending in spaced apart and parallel relation to said rod, manually operative means fixed to the outer end of said shaft, a circular disk fixed to the other end of said shaft, a stud fixed to said disk and extending outwardly from its side thereof and being in eccentric relation to the axis of revolution of said disk and adapted to be received by said slot, a resilient electrical conductor fixed to said arm and to said support, a terminal connected with said conductor, an electrical conductor fixed to one end of said arm and adapted to intermittently contact said rectifier at various locations thereon when said knob is rotated and means for adjustably fixing said rod in said perforation, whereby said device is adapted to efliciently function with crystal rectifiers of various sizes, shapes, styles and kinds, substantially as described.

11. In a device of the class described, an L shaped support having an elongated perforation therein, a shaft threaded to said support, manually operative means fixed to the outer end of said shaft, a circular disk having its center of.figure fixed to the other end of said shaft, a stud fixed to said disk and having a head integral therewith and having a location at a point outside the center of figure of said disk, an arm having a hole therein and having a longitudinal slot in one end thereof and said slot adapted to slidably receive said stud, a resilient collar around said stud and positioned intermediate said head and said arm, whereby said arm is maintained in frictional engagement with'said disk, a longitudinal rod extending through said perforation and having a head integral therewith and engaging the outer side of said support, a nut threaded to said rod and adapted to closely engage the inner side of said support, whereby said rod is maintained in adjusted position relative to said perforation, a crystal container mounted on said support and insulated therefrom, a terminal connected with said container, a resilient electrical conductor fixed to an end of said arm and oppositely disposed from said disk, said rod being received by said hole in said arm, whereby manual rotation of said knob imparts movement to the ends of said arm, whereby said conductor is adapted to successively make and break contact with said crystal, resilient conductive means connected with said arm and said support and a terminal connected with said resilient conductive means.

12. In a crystal electric current detecting and rectifying device, a support having an elongated perforation therein, a longitudinal rod mounted on said support and adjustably and detachably fixed in said perforation, a rocker arm mounted on said rod a crystal rectifier container mounted on sand support and insulated therefrom, a crystal rectifier received by said container, manually operative means connected with said arm whereby said arm is adapted to form successive electrical connections with said rectifier and means for maintaining said arm in fixed position irrespective of shocks, jars and vibration.

13. In a device of the class described, a support having an elongated perforation therein, a shaft threaded to said support, a manually rotatable knob fixed to the outer end of said shaft, a circular disk fixed at its center of figure to the other end of said shaft, a stud fixed to said disk at a point outside the center of figure of said disk and having a head integral therewith, an arm having a hole therein and having a longitudinal slot in one end thereof and said slot adapted to slidably receive said stud, a resilient collar around said stud and positioned intermediate said head and said arm whereby said arm is maintained in frictional engagement with said disk, a longitudinal rod extending through said perforation and having a head integral with one end thereof adapted to engage the other side of said support and having its other end received inside said hole, a nut threaded to said rod and adapted to closely engage the inner side of said support whereby said rod is releasably maintained in adjusted position, a crystal container mounted on said support and insulated therefrom, a terminal connected with said container, a resilient conductor connected to an end of said arm and oppositely disposed from said disk, resilient conductive means connected with said arm and said support and a terminal connected wi h said resilient conductive means, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

JOHN H. FLYNN, JR. 

